My U20 Disappointment

I am sure you all know how disappointed I was when we lost to Mexico 4 goals to nil in what turned out to be our final game trying to Qualify for the U20 World Cup February 27 played in Mexico. I won't be pointing all over the place as to whom I think should be blamed for this, because in truth and in fact, Jamaica the country lost the game not just the team playing on the field.

The lack of concentration kills me when I watch my team play like how they did. Free headers at the back post, free header in the six yard box, three unmarked players in the box, Jamaica what is going on?

With the absence of an academy I think we may have to take some drastic decisions because this sort of display just can't continue. Don't get me wrong, I am still proud of my U20 team but I do not think we played our best football. I will support Jamaica until I die, but I can't promise not to say anything and cheer as if I am always happy no matter how we play........oh no.

How I feel now about funding this programme is tantamount to pouring water into a gaping orifice which can never be filled. Oral Tracy said in his daily programme Sports Commentary, "we looked like amateurs playing against professionals" and that is the truth.

When something is broken we have to fix it. Spurts won't beat quality teams....enough said about that. What will work is doing the basic things efficiently, purposefully, and mastering them. Are we really learning from our past mistakes? I don't think we are.

Sponsors don't just sponsor for sponsoring sake, they need mileage and presence. We will always be having difficulty with sponsorship in our national programme with displays like these.

MY SUGGESTIONS

• At this time, scrap the U20 programme and the U17 programme (Students can still get scholarships based on Manning Cup performances in my estimation)
• Go straight to U10 and pour the money there
• Get parents involved to the fullest at the U10 level (may cost the JFF less with willing parents helping to spend)
• Full speed ahead with the mandatory coaching certification to promote higher standards; this will filter to our schools and football leagues around the country
• Get more people involved with the idea being football agents; what they will learn can invariably help the JFF
• Get people learning the rules of the game; especially those who attend regular matches in the Jamaican premier league. A footballer may have someone whisper something in his ear which is totally false, but because the person is influential at his home or church, he takes it as gospel; no pun intended.
• Have regular visits from learned football luminaries tried and proven in the international arena, who can impart relevant knowledge to the youngsters and adolescences. 

I can't take this revolving door scenario with my Young Reggae Boyz anymore. We need to progress now and stop pussyfooting around. The Country's psyche is now fully woven around and into our sports teams; thanks to a certain set of sprinters, stayers, long distance runners, cricketers and the like.

We need to get this thing done through an U10 system.

I just want to ask two questions....

1. Are these teams (Mexico and Panama) really that much better than my U20 team?
2. Where is the football academy?

Feel free to comment; Jamaica needs answers for a way forward.

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

Barcelona Exposed

Make no mistake Barcelona is one of my favourite teams; Tottenham Hotspurs and Jamaica in no particular order are the other two.

I pull from a previous post:

http://antoniobell.blogspot.com/2013/02/milan-vs-barca-stadio-guiseppe-meazza.html

'I am actually getting frustrated saying Barca can't lose, pretty much like me getting tired of Bolt winning. As much as we like see both winning, it is not good for the sport. I am getting to the point where I want to see them lose because they are just too dominant.'

Oh how these words have come to past for Barcelona. Taking nothing from AC Milan or Real Madrid who played clinical, well executed games, Barcelona were far from their best.

Pulling also from a previous post, remember Barca's defence line is also Spain's defence line:

http://antoniobell.blogspot.com/2013/02/what-reggae-boyz-are-up-against.html

'Spain knows their defence line can't even walk fast, so they don't allow teams to test their speed (they would fail that test every time), hence them keeping the ball for long periods'

Barcelona was exposed badly today by Real Madrid; just ask Puyol. Real Madrid's speed caused constant problems and their confidence grew with every possession, hence the victory margin of 3 goals to 1. Running directly at Barcelona's backline (when you get the chance) and the diagonal passes behind Puyol and Pique will always be to their detriment. Holland did this constantly in the 2010 World Cup Final but could not convert.

Teams, enjoy this while it lasts, because Barcelona will most definitely be addressing these issues. As the saying goes, 'if it ain't broke don't fix it', seems to be the approach Barcelona took. Well, it hath been broken with two humiliating defeats; with one in front of their home crowd at Camp Nou.

Well done AC Milan and Real Madrid, you found the chink in the Barcelona armour; their lack of speed in defence and the central midfield.

The health of the Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova who is in the USA receiving treatment for an illness, may have also brought on some emotional weakness to the team. The utterances of club president Sandro Rossell may also give some insight to Barcelona's current lack of form:

"His (Villanova) health is the most important thing. It takes priority, it's more important than tonight's match or tomorrow's titles", he declared. "This team deserves to be believed in. They've been together for four and a half years and in football it's impossible to win everything. I know it's difficult, but we can't forget what they've done", he said - www.fcbarcelona.com

This may be an opportune time now for the second tier players on the Barcelona team to stake their claim for a first team place ahead of next year's World Cup.

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

My National Flag

FLAG

A piece of cloth, usually rectangular, or distinctive colour and design, used as a symbol, standard, signal, or emblem - www.thefreedictionary.com

This is the last time I will say something on this topic and I hope the powers that be in our country see it fit to have something done to address this thing.

Please see link below of an ad done by a company (I can't see the connection between the ad and the brand) in which the Jamaican flag caught fire and the fire was put out by some people stomping the flag on the sidewalk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wWx6M58f1HY

What hurt me more than the ad itself were those that did not find this offensive. I don't have to be a Jew, Muslim, Gentile, or any race, colour or creed for something to offend me; I don't have to be one or the other.

This was not a live shot of something occurring real time where it may be looked at in another way. This was something brainstormed, mulled over, done and redone no doubt. And to subject my flag-any flag for that matter-to this is just inexplicable.

As I mentioned on my Facebook page, I guess we Jamaicans gave the dialect used in the VW ad a pass so it's open season. 

If the American flag, German flag, Spanish flag, Cuban flag, Chinese flag, any flag was burnt in such a manner I can't even imagine the groundswell that would cause. So my flag a wha?........after nuh flag nuh more than my flag.

People nuh ramp wid my FLAG. That is my signal, my standard, my symbol and my emblem.

All I need is an apology made to our government, they can accept it on my behalf. And it didn't have to take a learned man like our principal logistics, ceremonial, and protocol consultant, Merrick Needham to have to say this;

"I would agree that first of all there should be an apology, but it should be pulled, because it is going to continue inflaming people. I don't feel so strongly now that we should go and raise hell from the diplomatic point of view but we should make the point through diplomatic circles that it is not a good way to represent the country, there should be an apology at least". - www.rjrnewsonline.com

People nuh ramp wid my FLAG.......straight.

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

Well Executed Milan

This is a partial post from my blog antoniobell.blogspot.com before the Milan vs Barcelona matchup:

'Barcelona is a phenomenal outfit and will take some beating even away from home. Nevertheless, IN MY VIEW, Milan has the quality to do it. Them executing a perfect game plan will make all the difference for them. Barca plays the same way all day every day; they don't hide their strategy; suffocate you with ball possession. The only way of a Milan victory is to force Barca to make many mistakes and make very few of their own'. 

Well today Milan showed their class and quality when it mattered most. This will give them more than a fighting chance to eliminate Barcelona in the return leg in Spain.

Milan showcased a clinical display of suffocating defense and disciplined play. They forced Barca to make mistakes and capitalized on those mistakes. This was a well deserved win for Milan, and although the calls for handball were rampant when the first goal was scored in the 57th minute by Prince Boateng against Barca, I think the Barca fans would be singing a different tune if a Barca player handled the ball and Milan got a penalty.

The telling stats in this game were the ball possession and the shots on target. Barca had 65% ball possession to Milan's 35%, but Milan took 6 shots on target to Barca's 2; if that is not stifling defence, well I don't know what is.

All the attacking force of Barca was kept in check today; this was a herculian task performed superbly by Milan. The likes of Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Pedro, and Fabregas were all covered ably by Montilivo, Muntari, Ambrosini, and the African Prince Boateng. A 2 nil defeat (although away) was not a foreseeable outcome to this game. However, Milan showed why they are the most successful team in the Champions League as Muntari sealed the deal in the 81st minute of play.

Referee Craig Thomson from Scotland did a superb job. He let play flow and it augured well for the game. He was ably assisted by D Rose, A Ross and G Chambers all of Scotland as well.

Coach Allegri is sitting pretty but he knows a quality team like Barcelona won't role over and die. He has an idea of what he will come up against in the second tie.

Well played Milan as you send me licking my wounds until the return leg March 12 at Camp Nou - Spain.

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

Milan vs Barca: Stadio Guiseppe Meazza 20.2.13

The last time AC Milan beat Barcelona in UEFA Champions league action was October 19, 2004 by one goal to nil. They have not lost to them in seven Champions league meetings since.

Barcelona have won 4 games to Milan's 2 with 2 drawn. The goals stats are much closer though; Barca have scored 7 and conceded 6.

The mind games have long started with utterances like these,

“Milan is one of the most successful teams in Europe. We have always found it hard against them and have had some tough times in their stadium", says Roura (filling in as first team manager) 

"We have to be courageous to beat Barcelona", says Allegri (Milan coach)

“They are a different team, they play a different way, and we'll have to wait and see how they behave....but Milan are always frightening at the San Siro", says Roura 

These teams have tons of respect for each other but Roura made a statement that actually tells you how he feels this tie will end, by stating, “as long as nothing strange happens, it’ll all be decided in the second leg”.  Simply means in Jamaican dialect, 'when yu come a my yaad yu dead'.

Milan forward Bojan Krkic uttered similar sentiments “We will have to earn at least a draw to give us hope for the return leg". However, the difference is Bojan sees hope in Spain, but Roura sees none for Milan when they come there. 

Barcelona is a phenomenal outfit and will take some beating even away from home. Nevertheless, IN MY VIEW, Milan has the quality to do it. Them executing a perfect game plan will make all the difference for them. Barca plays the same way all day every day; they don't hide their strategy; suffocate you with ball possession. The only way of a Milan victory is to force Barca to make many mistakes and make very few of their own. 

Barcelona is my team so I don't see them losing in Milan. Although Milan has the quality, it may be a stretch seeing Barca lose there. If any Milan player sleeps on his role, my only hope is that Barca doesn't embarass them in front of their home crowd, because when the second leg comes around at Camp Nou in Spain, Milan are going to be on the back foot from the get go.

Barcelona are extremely hard to man mark, but I am sure they will try to nullify Messi and Iniesta; that won't be enough. Barca has too many ways to hurt you.

I am actually getting frustrated saying Barca can't lose, pretty much like me getting tired of Bolt winning. As much as we like see both winning, it is not good for the sport. I am getting to the point where I want to see them lose because they are just too dominant.

Nevertheless, if Barca plays to their full potential 3-1 to Barca. I don't see this game being a draw.

Let's see how it plays out.

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

Updated FIFA Rankings

These are the rankings as at February 2013

Mexico - 15th

USA - 32nd

Panama - 42nd

Jamaica - 56th

Honduras - 51st

Costa Rica - 53rd

These were the rankings as at January 2013

What's in a ranking?

Mexico is 15th
USA is 28th
Panama is 46th
Jamaica is 58th
Honduras is 59th
Costa Rica is 66th

Honduras and Costa Rica have leapfrogged us making us the least ranked team in this round of WCQ. A more positive outcome against Mexico would have definitely done something to our ranking.

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

Jamaica Needs a Football Philosophy

In a Facebook post I did some time ago, I mentioned how I saw a Jamaican Football philosophy taking shape with Tappa Whitemore and how we as a nation need to support him in every way we can.

IN MY VIEW Tappa is still an inexperienced coach (I base this solely on the years he's been coaching) but that actually says nothing when you look at his record in our World Cup Qualifiers. Tappa has stood as head coach in 10 WCQ with 6 wins, 2 drawn, and 2 losses.

Obviously Tappa has something good going on here and it didn't hurt with Dr. Gama being here when he was either. Also, Alfredo Monteso's presence is also not hurting our cause.

My two cents is that we can't fully embrace a philosophy until we get this technical proficiency thing down pat. If we are going to move the ball fluently around the field, our passing game and control have to be in tip top shape.Then and only then can the players really express themselves and carry out the instructions that the coach gives. It goes without saying that there will be fit and match ready players on the field.

If we are developing an attack and it is thwarted by the opposition, I need to see us keeping this ball until we can launch another attack. Often times when we attack and are not successful it is as if we feel it obligatory to hand over the ball to the opponent so they can then attack us.

DEVELOPING OUR PHILOSOPHY

• Ball possession under constant pressure
• Two available passes to the man on the ball (even when marked)
• Total command when controlling the ball (especially under pressure)
• Accurate passing (especially under pressure)
• Confidence in self on the ball
• Group think - any player who has possession of the ball, all other players must know where they should be when the next pass is to be made (I can't mention Spain/Barcelona enough in this regard)
• We can even invent our own formation and make it our own; as long as the triangles are ever present (to facilitate bullet 2)

The first 5 bullets cover the basic rudiments of football. The teams that perfect this are the most successful teams.

‎"It isn't about a specific coach. It's based on an idea, a top-down line of thinking that all the coaches follow. That's always been the way the academy has been run". This is what Lionel Messi had to say about Barcelona in an article by Stefan Coerts on goal.com.

Our own philosophy is something we MUST develop. We need something like this for our country.

Where is the football academy?

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

My XI against Panama March 22

This team was constructed based on the pace of the Panamanians and how we will have to transition from offence to defense.

IN MY VIEW, all the players from the Mexico game have earned their place for the Panama game with the exception of the two Johnsons and Demar Phillips.

Jermaine Johnson should not find himself out of this team but I covered why I think he should not be in the starting lineup http://antoniobell.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-come.html

Ryan Johnson needs to see the bench for at least a game based on the goal he muffed against Mexico; that can't go unpunished. He has done tremendous work but you will always be judged on your last performance. To use a word my friend Curtis Whittle loves to use...inexplicable.

Too many attacks came down Demar Phillips' flank against Mexico and I see this happening with great regularity should he be included in the lineup against Panama.

MY JAMAICA vs PANAMA XI
D. Ricketts
A. Mariappa
N. Nosworthy
J. Taylor
J. McAnuff
M. Elliott
G. McLeary
R. Austin
D. Richards
D. Mattocks
L. Palmer

                                             Ricketts

                           Nosworthy                 Mariappa

            Taylor                        Austin                         Palmer

                          McLeary                         Elliott

                                            McAnuff                                                            

                           Mattocks                      Richards                                  

The sheer pace of Dwayne Richards, Garath James McLeary and Darren Mattocks can trouble any defense line. This will be giving Panama things to think about while McAnuff and Austin come forward from the belly of the team if Richards, McLeary or Mattocks are used as a ploy on the flanks. Remember how McLeary whipped in the cross that opened up Mexico backline like a cupcake. I can envisage this happening regularly in the Panama game.

Mattocks needs to sort out this indiscipline Captain Burrell speaks of, because here is a perfect opportunity-IN MY VIEW-for him to prove he belongs in the starting lineup.

My inclusion of Mrs. Bridgette Foster-Hylton's bredda, Lovel Palmer is by virtue of his work rate, disciplined appproach to the game, and the ability to follow instructions. I saw him play in the USA game we won at 'The Office' and it was clear what his instructions were and he played it purposefully (at wingback). With the absence of an experienced player for that position, I think he will play that position better than most. At this point I don't see him getting a starting role in midfield (his natural position). Demar Phillips needs to sort out his defensive role at the wingback position.

The closest thing we have to a playmaker outside of Jermaine Hue is Jobi Joshua Frederick McAnuff. If only Jermaine could increase his work rate. I expect Jobi to have a more dominant role coming out of midfield in the Panama game.

I expect the usual solid game from the rest of the team and I just hope Mr. Jermaine Taylor doesn't let me down with any rash decisions near or inside the 18 yard box.

This won't be a pretty game based on the history between these two teams, as well as Jamaica's inability or unwillingness to keep the ball for long periods; we need to increase our technical proficiency.

Nevertheless, JAMAICA to the world by 2 clear goals.

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

Here We Go Again

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130213/sports/sports4.html (view link)

Why Now?

photo by Marc Stamp, Gleaner Writer

Darren Mattocks obviously has natural talent and undoubtedly has many years to offer the Jamaica National Football team, hence I really don't know what is happening here. This issue isn't unique to Jamaica but for the life of me I can never understand indiscipline in any team.

Representing one's country is an honour and privilege; not a rite. Darren stay in your lane and let's all row in the same direction.

Captain Burrell goes off on a tangent at times, and IN MY VIEW, is a little too hands on with my National Football team. Nevertheless, you can't blame him when he gets things done; I just wish it was from a distance.

I don't care what a player does at his club (the club takes care of that), but once he dons the black, green and gold or is called up for my National Football team just remember it's the people of Jamaica being represented.

I need this young player to be an option or the go to man whenever the need arises. There are 3 reasons I can come up with why someone should not be included in the National team.

1. The coach drop yu
2. Injury
3. Personal crisis

There is no reason on earth a player should allow a coach or team to exclude him/her due to indiscipline.

The remaining 9 games will not be easy and Tappa will need all hands on deck to steer this ship into the calm waters of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

Knowing The Enemy - Panama

Panama is proving to be a tough cookie in this World Cup campaign.

The have played 11 matches with only 1 loss (1 nil) which was to Canada who they beat on the return leg of that tie 2 nil.

They have won 7 games and drawn 3.

They have scored 23 times and conceded 6, and on six occasions the opponent was unable to score against them; two of these games were away games. On two occasions they have been unable to score.

The most significant thing I noticed about their stats was that they scored their go ahead goals between the 25th and the 45th minute of play; while they conceded the first goals between the 55th and 65th minute of play. I am sure Tappa will exploit this to the fullest.

They are actually scoring on average over 2 goals per game and conceding less than one (averages people nuh badda pressure mi).

Panama are a tough team and obviously come to play their best in every game. Nevertheless, I still see the great JAMAICA winning by a 2 goal margin March 22; and what I am certain of is that it won't be easy for us.

I will look at their danger men later on; and by the look of things is the whole team......lol.

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© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All the commentary posted in this publication are my personal view(s) and do not reflect the view(s) of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

FIFA Rankings

What's in a ranking?

Mexico is 15th
USA is 28th
Panama is 46th
Jamaica is 58th
Honduras is 59th
Costa Rica is 66th

What actually peaked my interest was actually not the rankings of the teams mentioned above; it was actually Haiti's and Brazil's rankings which are 38th and 18th respectively.

Brazil was ranked 6th this time last year, Haiti was ranked 90th, Jamaica was ranked 59th and the mighty Spain was ranked 1st and has maintained.

Until the World Cup next year in Brazil, world football will be very interesting.

© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All information posted in this blog are my personal views and don’t reflect the view of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

What the Reggae Boyz Are Up Against

There is a saying that the further back we look is the further forward we will see. Well if we do this we won’t see Jamaica going to the World Cup next year 2014 in Brazil. Based on history and statistics, we SHOULD not go through. Needless to say I will not attempt to use this as my basis as to why I expect Jamaica to go through to the 2014 World Cup.

Lifetime H2H stats

Costa Rica has won 9 of our 15 games, scoring 32 goals to our 7 goals. We have beaten Costa Rica once which was at our home. They have beaten us thrice here at our home.

Honduras has won 9 of our 17 games, scoring 26 goals to our 15 goals. We have beaten Honduras 5 times, 4 times at our home. They have beaten us 3 times at our home.

USA has won 7 of our 17 games, scoring 25 goals to our 11 goals. We have beaten USA once at our home. USA has beaten us once at our home.

Mexico has won 18 of our 23 games, scoring a whopping 63 goals to our 9 goals. We have beaten Mexico thrice at our home. They have beaten us 4 times at our home.

I covered Panama in a previous post. We have a better record against this team than any other team.

All the teams in this final round have superior records against us bar none. However, we were able to beat them all at our home (although they beat us here too). On current form though, there is little that separates the teams and this is what I am banking on to take us through to Brazil 2014; and the fact that it’s the first that this Jamaica unit played as a team in competition and was able to achieve what it did in Mexico.

We have to beat these teams when they come to our home. And go for a win on the road but if necessary settle for a draw. Playing for a win doesn’t have to mean exposing your back line (ask Spain). Spain knows their defence line can’t even walk fast, so they don’t allow teams to test their speed (they would fail that test every time), hence them keeping the ball for long periods. We MUST control the tempo of the games at home and be deliberate in our attacks.

© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All information posted in this blog are my personal views and don’t reflect the view of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

Neville 'Teddy' McCook

The KC fraternity is today celebrating the life of Neville 'Teddy' McCook. The loss can become unbearable for us if we choose to view it as the end of his life; I extend my condolences to the McCook family. I would like to view this as the start of his legacy. Uncle Teddy was the consummate professional in all he did no matter the school, club, country or region, and it would be to our detriment-both country and school-if we allow the lessons he taught us go to waste. This man dedicated his life to sports administration and the betterment of athletes and by extension the sport of athletics. He was involved in almost everything at KC, I wonder how he found time for anything else; but he did. It is people like Uncle Teddy that allowed us to be the proud, confident men we are today; he would accept no less behaviour or disposition.

I remember the first time I spoke to Uncle Teddy, it was at a Kingston College Chapel Choir concert. I was a young chorister at the time just like his biological nephew Wayne McCook. Somehow he knew who I was, because his first words were "young Bell what yu doin' on choir?" then he chuckled a bit then continued in a serious tone, "make sure you attend rehearsals regularly, you have a responsibility". Those of us who joined the choir at that time gave over 23 years of unbroken service; we instinctively knew this responsibility was to honour the work of those gone before us. Him knowing me was nothing special, he knew everybody, and I mean everybody, even their nicknames.

His shoes can't be filled, we will just try to continue doing the good we can for our family, church, school, places of employment and by extension our beloved Jamaica. Anyone needing a role model, allow someone to tell you about Neville 'Teddy' McCook.

FORTIS CADERE CEDERE NON POTEST.

© 2013 Antonio Bell. All rights reserved

Disclaimer

All information posted in this blog are my personal views and don’t reflect the view of any Association, Federation or Governing Body.

How Come?

He has blinding pace, lethal with both feet, can out jump most for a clean header, can control on a dime, and dribble down almost any defense line. These attributes in one player are mind-boggling. I speak of none other than Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson. However, for some reason these attributes are not translating into meaningful output in the National Football team. Imagine maximum output from a player like this just behind the two forwards. And I go further, imagine a Jermaine Hue with a work rate of even 80% of Richard Austin (playmaker problem solved). We must mold even 6 players from our current youth setup to fit these two type of player profiles and ensure their confidence level is high. IN MY VIEW it is too late to change how Teddy and Jermaine play their game. If Hue is in the team, pressure is going to be on the other midfielders because he can't tackle unless he is going to foul. If Teddy is in the team we are going to be holding our breath waiting for the ball to be passed; which is after he finishes cursing out the referee for not blowing for a foul. Many may not like me criticizing their players but......so it is. The two players can unlock any defense and they have done so on occasions......but, when the going gets tough, I don't see them. In this final round when our opponents are chomping at the bit and space & time are limited on the ball, I don't see them taking any part based on their history. The attributes these players have are desperately needed in our National Team but we need it when we need it. We don't need it sometimes, we need it when the coach calls upon them to produce it, especially against tough opponents.

Wingback Position: My Concern

We need outright and proper wingbacks in the National team setup. Our defence line sturdy right ya now, however, the leakage I saw especially down Demar Phillips' flank has me deeply concerned. We had good rotation from midfield filling the gaps at times but we had too many crosses coming in for our central defence to deal with; kudos to the central midfield for good defense work hence the Mexicans opting to go down the flanks. Demar seems to be a much better attacking player than defender; even though he is a defender at his club. A wingback can't possibly stop every attack down his flank, but I think too many opportunities came from that area for Mexico and thanks to disciplined marking and coverage in our defensive third we were able to deal with the danger. I wondered why Jermaine Taylor was out of the National team for so long and I am glad he is back in the team. However, IN MY VIEW, it is as if his mind goes blank at times and some decisions he makes befuddles me. Thanks to the consistency of the referee in the Mexico game he didn't award a penalty for the brave/dangerous challenge Jermaine made in the box. I really didn't see Jermaine touch any of the ball and I have seen defenders get piece of the ball in tackles like that and a penalty is still given. Also, under no pressure whatsoever, I see him make torrid passes out of the defense. Jermaine....watch it. Nevertheless, I like the purpose I saw the team play with Feb 6 against Mexico and I need this consistency in my National team going forward.

The Fabulous Four

There are 4 players who don't have to worry about their game on the Jamaica National Football team; Ricketts, Mariappa, Nosworthy and Austin. These players form the nucleus of our team. If Tappa can't find four players to mirror their contribution in the team, we may have problems if two of them can't play at any one time. If Tappa can't readily find players like them at his disposal, convert some players from their natural position just in case we may need them. We have nine more torrid games ahead, I hope you see where I am going with this......IN MY VIEW, we can't just hope they will be healthy for all the matches. One disclaimer, my pops is a member of the National setup and we don't discuss anything regarding the National Team, I speak independently.

Panama Beware of 'The Office'

Jamaica has now woken up to the idea that there are no giants in CONCACAF anymore, and this belief is in direct relation to our performance in Mexico Feb 6, 2013. Panama has won three of our nine meetings, Jamaica has won two. Jamaica's two victories were at 'The Office' in Jamaica, although Panama had one victory in Jamaica. We have never beaten Panama in a WCQ. In our two previous WCQ meetings Panama has one victory the other being a draw. In each WCQ against Panama we were able to score, so have they against us. Jamaica actually has a torrid time against Panama as they have been able to score on Jamaica every time they play us. We have scored in every meeting also with the exception of one game where they beat us 1 nil May 27, 2012 (Mariappa and Taylor did not play beside Nosworthy in that game). Nevertheless, this new look Jamaica team obviously has a lot to offer and IN MY VIEW, Panama will have to score more than two goals to win in Jamaica (which I don't see happening with Nosworthy, Mariappa and Taylor at the back). Based on the stats both teams are on par with Panama having a slight edge. What I take from the Mexico game which is very encouraging were the scoring opportunities we had-although we didn't convert any-which were clear cut chances against the run of play (no set plays). We will be able to impose ourselves more on the game at 'The Office' so I expect no less than two goals March 22.